Saintfield High School Summer 2012
SHS Newsletter No. 33
Dear Mums and Dads, Boys and Girls, And so….the academic year 2011-2012 draws to a close. It has been the most demanding year in so many respects – and yet, from a personal point of view, the most rewarding year since I took up the position of principal in 2004. The achievements over the year have been many and varied. Highlights must include: the ‘glowing’ inspection report the school received from the eti; the much needed and long overdue upgrade of our playing fields and new Sports Pavilion; and, of course, the many successes and achievements of our pupils, in and out of the classroom. The school’s calendar of events has been packed for the complete academic year with a programme of activities which has enhanced and enriched the teaching and learning experiences of both pupils and staff alike. We began the year by biding farewell to Mrs Sore, who retired from her position as Vice-Principal in September, and we finish by wishing our fond farewells to Mrs Stranney, previous head of the English Department, and currently teacher responsible for pupil support in English. Mrs Stranney has been central to the modernisation of the English and Drama department - her commitment and dedication to the school has been nothing but commendable. Undoubtedly, she will be greatly missed by everyone within our school community. Nevertheless, we wish her good health and every happiness for the future. Farewell, too, to our Year 12, whose GCSE examinations have been completed – we wish you every success for the future and look forward to seeing you all on GCSE results day on the 23rd August 2012. Finally I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone in our school community a restful, safe and enjoyable summer holiday. V Watt Principal
Dates for your diary End of term: Thursday 28 June 2012 at 12.20pm Return of Pupils for New Academic Year: Year 8 (New intake) : Monday 3 September 2012 (leave at 12.20pm) Year 11 : Monday 3 September 2012 – full day Whole School (Years 8 – 12) : Tuesday 4 September 2012
by Mrs panied The m o c c a dents, teering. E PE stu a day of orien experience S C G 1 ark for ss f Year 1 thwhile group o unt Country P yable and wor Johnny Burge g a w a s o ! jo in d m n n e th June la e n ir e s la n e are p be d y 14 d to D had a Thursda Mr Elliot, hea roup, who all ills left a lot to air. The group g p d k l n s e Irwin a as kind to th map-reading ost successfu ring course. e m ir rw weathe h some of the EL) were the eir next oriente 1 g th 1 u r o th fo h ark – alt le (bo Forest P an Nob and Eth Castlewellan l to to trave
ce in took pla 2nd iz u q l Friday 2 ’s annua The P.T.A Cricket Club on emendous tr Saintfield was once again a everyone to d n e a u d to re a Ju n e, part, and . Thanks success along and took organising r e who cam and Mr Elliott fo s m a Mr Ad t. the even
The S.U. celebrated a wonderful year with a movie and pizza afternoon on Wednesday 6th June. The movie – Tangled – was enjoyed by all. What a great way to finish the year! Scripture Union will return next year, and all pupils are very welcome to attend.
Belfast ear 9 visited Y in ls pi pu l al Y, said raham, of 9M g to r R.E. studieth s, G ei th in m of as rt Y pa . As June ally interestin Thursday 7 s, so it was re as cl in Synagogue on , added m is da udying Ju ganised the trip iding st or en ho w be , ve by e’ er “W ov rs D e up close”. M r our pupils, pr see a synagogu ting and new opportunity fo . n” exci or world religio “This was an r study of a maj ei th to in ity ar insight and cl
Ms Watt was delighted to attend a celebratory event in the Long Gallery, Stormont Castle, hosted by Northern Ireland’s Chief Inspector of Education, Ms Noelle Buick, and Mr John O’Dowd, Minister of Education. During the event, the school was formally congratulated on the standards achieved in an inspection conducted by the eti earlier this year. Saintfield High School was one of only two post-primary schools from the SEELB who achieved those top grades in their inspection reports. Ms Watt said: ‘I am so proud to represent the pupils, staff and Governors of Saintfield High School at such a prestigious event – our hard work and dedication to the provision of quality education has been formally recognised, recorded and rewarded. Our school community shares in a tremendous sense of pride and achievement.’
The corridors and classrooms of Saintfield High School were abuzz last week, as the school played host to more than 200 P6 pupils from our feeder primary schools. The pupils had the chance to participate in a variety of exciting activities, hosted by the Science, French and Music departments. Mrs Derby, who organised the event, praised the enthusiasm of the P6 pupils, and the manners and maturity shown by our own pupils who served as tour guides and assistants during the visits.
l choo gh S the i H on field Saint onditions ey lined f o pic s th staff ery c and nd blustth June, a the Olym to s l i p e a l on st pu n 7 The d the rai ursday to cheer m Newca ody’s h e o y t T r v r f e y ve b re bra ng of in St de its wa d whet e off i a n r M o m s kicks helpe it ma field’ Saint relay as he event nt, which e Torch ahinch. T main ev n e y l h . l t ly Ba ite for 7th Ju t appe ndon on 2 in L o
On Thursday 17th June, Saintfield High School hosted an Induction Evening for those Primary 7 pupils who are due to begin their post-primary school career here in September. The evening was an opportunity for us to welcome the pupils and their parents into our school community, as well as a chance for parents and pupils to ask questions ahead of the excitement of September.
1 and 1 0 1 s r a al l om Ye d basketb th r f s y sore s e bo ay 7 to tho in a spon n Thursd ously e n o l o i nu Well d ok part schoo etball cont o t han e t h t k o s wh more the t in layed ba n d e e s m i tourna he boys p m, and ra urpose of by p T p d June. am until 3 ess. This unds raise f c 9 t o r n p m fro gme . in the t o au £500 ent was ut the year m o tourna .A. through T . P the
Both U14 & U16 teams had another successful year, both finishing runners up in their respective leagues. The U14 played a total of four matches this year and defeated Strangford College, Nendrum College & Knockbreda High School convincing. For the final game of the season we travelled to Bangor to meet a strong Bangor side. Our team played exceptionally well but in the end were defeated by a single goal, leaving Bangor champions for this year. The U16 team only were able to play two competitive games this season due to a small number of teams entering their respective league. In both displays all girls played with determination – beating Bangor 4 – 0 in the first game and losing to Nendrum by a single goal 1 – 0. Again another successful season for all those who have taken part in these matches and you should be very proud at the way you have represented Saintfield High School during the hockey season.
The school’s u15 football team enjoyed another tremendously successful season, winning the league and cup double for the second year in a row. Led by their inspirational captain, Scott Barr, the boys won the u14 Premier double last year, and now, as u15s, they have become the first ever team from Saintfield High to do the doubledouble! Their campaign concluded this term with an impressive 2-1 win against Bangor Academy in the cup final. Congratulations to all involved!
Ambassadors from Farrens Construction and the Institute of Civil Engineers Northern Ireland visited the school on Friday 27th April to run an engineering workshop for our Year 11 pupils. Pupils were asked to use spaghetti and marshmallows to build a structure capable of supporting a toy car. Congratulations to Adam Childs, Scott Barr, Jamie Friel, Ross Scott and Ross Alexander, who were deemed to have won this task. The workshop was followed by a careers presentation for year 12 pupils, about the benefits of working in the engineering and construction industry.
Saintfield High School’s golf enthusiasts were treated to a terrific day’s competition at Temple Golf Club on Friday 8th June. Despite the wet conditions, the pupils – accompanied by Mr Elliot and Mr Carter – thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The final leader board read as follows: 1st place – Jack Millar (10CT) 2nd place – Curtis Glover (11EL) 3rd place – Jamie Friel (11JO). Very well done to those boys, and indeed to all who took part.
Wednesday 13th June saw pupils and staff alike decamp en masse to our recently revamped playing fields and sports pavilion for our annual Sports Day. Despite the gloomy skies, the rain mostly stayed away, and an excellent time was had by all. Congratulations to all our competitors – the standard of athleticism, sportsmanship and competition were extremely high. Special praise should go to Ms. Henderson, who led the staff relay team to victory against the senior pupils with a dynamic and explosive performance on the track. The full results of the day will be announced on Sports Prize Day, 28th June.
The Year 11 GCSE Journalism class enjoyed an informative, worthwhile and rewarding day out on Friday 1st June. The pupils, accompanied by Miss Hynds and Mr McCracken, visited the offices of the Down Recorder in Downpatrick. They were treated to a Journalism masterclass from editor, Paul Symington. Mr Symington allowed the pupils to interview Down Recorder staff, before guiding them through the process of writing a news story and putting a front page together. The pupils’ efforts are currently on display on the English corridor. Why not stop by and have a look? Following the visit to the Down Recorder, the class journeyed to the offices of The Belfast Telegraph for a tour of the building and a conversation with the editor, Mike Gilson. Both visits were part of the class’s preparation for Unit 2 of their GCSE course.
A badminton tournament was held in the school on Wednesday 20th June. Giorgia Montgomery (10CH) won the Girls’ competition, beating Rebecca Carney (8JA) in the final, whilst Jordan Milligan (9MY) defeated Finlay Dodd (9GU) in the final of the Boys’ competition. Mrs Jackson, who organised the tournament, praised all the competitors. “All the pupils that took part showed how their skills had improved over the year”, she said.
A member of the Health and Safety Executive visited the school on Friday 15th June to speak to all Year 11 pupils, prior to the Year 11 Work Experience week (18th-22nd June). Mr Bolton, who organised the talk, said that the event was extremely worthwhile, and thanked our visiting speaker for his time.
Badminton Club will return next year, and all pupils are welcome.
companied by of Year 9 pupils, ac A large contingent rron, visited eshire and Miss Heth Ch rs M s, nd Hy iss M May for a era House on 24 Op d an Gr ’s st lfa Be e Terrible ble Histories: Th rri Ho of ce an rm oughly perfo ff alike had a thor sta d an ls pi Pu . aster Tudors theatre. Jenny McM e th at n oo rn te af enjoyable us. I had a e play was hilario (9GU) said that “th really good time.”
Chloe Pollock, Jas Hogg and Adam Aicken, all from Year 8, together with Miss Hynds and Miss McGuigan, recently travelled to Waterstone’s in Lisburn to take part in a photo shoot aimed at raising awareness for Praxis Care’s Sponsored ‘Read It!’ campaign. ‘Read It!’ is being run to encourage children and young people to read as many books as possible, as well as to raise valuable funds for Praxis Care. Miss McGuigan is enthusiastic about the school becoming involved in this event again next year: ‘The pupils and staff at Saintfield High School are delighted to be supporting the Praxis Care Sponsored Read It! campaign for the second year running. The campaign brought benefits to the pupils and school as it encouraged pupils to read books, increased literacy skills and raised awareness of the importance of looking after your mental health.’ Year 8 and Year 9 pupils will be reading diligently during the winter term, with the campaign taking place between 1st and 31st October 2012. The sponsored read will coincide with Children’s Book Week and World Mental Health Day on the 10th October 2012. Pupils will be looking for your sponsorship to help support this very worthwhile cause! It’s hard to believe that, for our Year 8s, their first year at Saintfield High School is drawing to a close. To celebrate their hard work and achievements throughout the year, all Year 8 pupils enjoyed a day out on Monday 25th June, featuring a trip to the cinema and a visit to Delamount Country Park – a special treat for a great year’s work.